Hi everyone,
I'm reaching out to see if anyone has had similar experiences or can offer advice on our current situation. My DC is non-verbal and is on the ASD pathway.
Lately, DC has been exhibiting behavioural problems at nursery, such as lashing out at other children and staff i.e. pushing, and pulling hair. These incidents are likely to occur when DC is tired, hungry, or reacting to sudden noises (babies crying), among other triggers. The nursery generally say it is "unprovoked". This behaviour has become more frequent lately, and we suspect it might be related to lower staffing ratios, although the nursery hasn’t provided us with any insights on why there’s been this sudden change.
The nursery has now said that if there are three incidents in one day, they will ask us to pick our DC up due to safeguarding concerns. While I understand the need for safeguarding, I’m worried this approach isn’t addressing the root of the problem. In fact, I fear it might reinforce the behaviour if my DC starts associating these actions with being sent home, which could become a pattern.
This situation is also affecting us as working parents, as we are required to pick our DC up within half an hour of being called, which is difficult given our work commitments and limited support from family.
Surely this approach cannot work for children with SEN needs. As parents, we can’t help but feel that our DC might be facing discrimination because of their disability. The nursery's approach doesn’t seem to account for DC's needs, and it feels like we’re being penalised for something that’s beyond our DC's control. DC cannot communicate and is unable to understand what is right and what is wrong.
Has anyone else dealt with a similar situation? How did you approach it, and what steps did you take to ensure your child was supported rather than excluded? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.